As People of Action, we understand that fulfilling that vision requires a plan.
More than a century ago, we pioneered a new model of service leadership grounded in person-to-person connections. Today, those connections are a network that spans the globe—bridging cultural, linguistic, generational, and geographic barriers—and shares the vision of a better world. As People of Action, we understand that fulfilling that vision requires a plan.
This is Rotary’s Action Plan through 2024: to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt.
This week we will explore Priority #2 – Expand Our Reach. We spent time last year as a club to determine our key club impact areas. We closely align with RI.
People of action activate and inspire others, giving them hope that the world can change for the better — and that they can be part of that change. We know there are many people
seeking both a greater sense of purpose and the kind of person-to-person involvement the digital realm can’t provide. We have what it takes to be their first choice.
seeking both a greater sense of purpose and the kind of person-to-person involvement the digital realm can’t provide. We have what it takes to be their first choice.
What does “Expand Our Reach” mean?
If more people affiliate with Rotary — not just as members but also as participants and partners — we’ll grow our capacity to make an impact.
This priority focuses on how we can share our values with new audiences, create new ways to bring people together to experience the power of Rotary, and prove we are an organization that’s inclusive, engaging, compassionate, and ambitious on behalf of the world.
This priority focuses on how we can share our values with new audiences, create new ways to bring people together to experience the power of Rotary, and prove we are an organization that’s inclusive, engaging, compassionate, and ambitious on behalf of the world.
Why are we doing this?
People around the world know about Rotary. In fact, when we surveyed people in 15 countries, we found that of the world’s leading social service organizations, we’re among the top three in terms of awareness.
But only 35% of respondents saw Rotary as an organization for people like them. And just 25% of people surveyed said they knew someone in Rotary.
If we want Rotary to prepare the next generation to lead, we need to make sure they feel welcome and at home here — and that means diversifying both our leadership and our approach. We continue to look at all the ways we’re engaging with our communities, and by opening up new channels into Rotary for people from all backgrounds.
What does this mean for Rotary International?
Rotary is already at work developing new products and alternative participant models so that people can join and take action with us, wherever they live. We’re partnering with Toastmasters International to help our members become more effective leaders and communicators, in their places of business and anywhere else they’re needed. And we offer satellite clubs, family memberships, and other flexible club options to help attract and retain members from all walks of life.
We’re also updating Rotary membership tools and resources to better help clubs engage more broadly and inclusively, and use social networks more effectively.
RI has been conducting research with our Rotaractors. They’re energetic, passionate, and community-minded young professionals, and it’s important to know what they want from Rotary, and how we can attract others like them.
What does this mean for me? How can I take action?
There are many ways people connect. Look around our community and think about who the other leaders are — keeping in mind that there are many different ways to be a leader. How can you start a dialogue with them?
Reach out to people who are connecting to others through shared interests — whether it’s through book clubs, arts organizations, or groups that celebrate different ethnic or cultural identities.
We will keep working with our longstanding partners like schools and the local chamber of commerce, but also look for other organizations and networks we can tap into and collaborate with.
We will continue to hold more family-friendly events. This conveys a powerful message about Rotary’s openness as an organization and allows more members of your community to participate.
And lastly, we will regularly update our club’s website and social media pages so people know all the great things our club is doing in the community.
RI has spent over a century leading one another to a great purpose. Let’s build connections and opportunities that will allow people who share our drive to do the same.